5 Best Ayurvedic Hair Masks For Hair Loss

Ayurveda is the oldest holistic healing system in the world that dates back to the 4th century BCE. The word ‘Ayurveda’ means knowledge of life and longevity (Ayur = life, Veda = knowledge). Ancient Ayurveda helped us discover the goodness of natural ingredients. Along with modern science, many cosmetic brands are adding the goodness of Ayurveda to their hair and skin care products.

Ayurveda focuses on five important steps: treatment, depletion, nourishment, purification, and pacification. During the treatment, it focuses on three aspects to eliminate toxic substances from the body: Nidana (diagnostic measures), Ahar (food that can be used as preventive medicine), and Chikitsa (support and self-care). There are countless benefits of Ayurveda in terms of both biological healing and beautifying purposes.

Ayurvedic hair masks, for instance, are a popular choice among many women for hair loss because they are made of natural ingredients and have been an effective cure for hair fall since ancient times.

But before we get to the hair masks, let’s understand the three doshas identified by Ayurveda. According to Ayurveda, balanced doshas result in good health, while imbalanced doshas give rise to diseases. Prakriti is the body’s natural balance of doshas and vikriti is the imbalance of doshas. It is this vikriti that causes hair loss, hair thinning, split ends, and dryness.

Hair Type According To Dosha Imbalance

Vata Imbalance

Dry
Rough
Frizzy
Unruly
Hair loss
Hair thinning

Causes Of Vata Imbalance

Stress
Anxiety
Smoking cigarettes
Irregular daily routine
Excessive consumption of alcohol, coffee, and tea

Pitta Imbalance

Loss of hair color
Hair loss
Hair thinning

Causes Of Pitta Imbalance

Excessive consumption of alcohol, coffee, and tea
Stress
Smoking cigarettes

Kapha Imbalance

Thick
Heavy
Oily
Coarse
Lifeless

Causes Of Kapha Imbalance

Lack of physical exercise
Cold climate
Overeating

Now that you know the characteristics of the various dosha imbalances, let’s check out the Ayurvedic ingredients that can help resolve them and promote hair growth.

8 Essential Ayurvedic Ingredients For Hair Growth And Hair Fall Control

1. Bhringraj

Bhringraj means ‘the king of herbs.’ True to its name, it helps promote hair growth (1). It can be used to prevent premature graying and hair loss (2). This herb is commonly available in powdered form and as an oil. Bhringraj is also an antihypertensive herb. This means that it has a calming effect when applied to the scalp, and it helps people with insomnia sleep better (3).

2. Brahmi

Brahmi helps strengthen hair and promotes hair growth (4). It nourishes the roots and promotes new follicle growth. Regular use of brahmi makes hair thick and lustrous. It is also useful in reducing dandruff. Brahmi hair packs help reduce itching on the scalp. When applied regularly, they reduce split ends. They cover the hair follicles with a protective layer, which, in turn, makes hair shiny and thick.

3. Shikakai

Shikakai translates to ‘fruit for hair.’ When combined with water, shikakai forms a slight lather and can be used to cleanse hair effectively. The rich antioxidant content of this ingredient makes it perfect for restoring scalp health and treating hair fall. It reduces dandruff and helps prevent head lice (5). Shikakai does not strip your hair of its natural oils. It reduces dandruff and conditions hair to make it luscious and manageable.

4. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha (or the Indian winter cherry) is an amazing herb for hair regrowth. It is the most commonly used Ayurvedic medicine for hair fall. The hormone corticosterone causes hair loss and slows down hair growth. Ashwagandha, when applied to the scalp, normalizes cortisol levels and curbs hair loss (6). It also boosts antioxidant activity and improves blood circulation in the scalp. It is an excellent remedy for dandruff, and it stimulates the production of melanin, which is essential for hair growth.

5. Jatamansi

Jatamansi (known as spikenard in English) is a small shrub. It has been used in Ayurvedic remedies since ancient times. Studies have shown that its crude extracts result in positive hair growth. Its rhizome is used in medicines to promote hair growth (7).

6. Amla

Amla (also known as Indian gooseberry) is an edible fruit. It is extensively used in Ayurvedic remedies for hair-related issues. Regular use of amla results in enhanced production of red blood cells. It improves hair growth, reduces dandruff, and prevents premature graying. It is often taken as a tonic to get healthy, thick, and long hair (8).

7. Neem

Neem is native to the Indian subcontinent and renowned for its healing properties. It is popularly used in shampoos and oils to increase hair growth. Studies show that neem is an excellent antibacterial agent that fights fungi like trichophyton (a fungus that infects hair, skin, and nails) and Microsporum (a ringworm that invades hair and skin). It also helps in killing head lice (9), (10).

8. Reetha (Soapnut)

Soapnut (also known as soapberries, washing nuts, wash shells, and soapberry nut husks) is one of the most popular herbs in Ayurveda. In olden days, people used it to shampoo their hair because of the delicate foam it produces (11). It keeps your hair long and healthy and alleviates dandruff and head lice. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it a potent ingredient in anti-dandruff shampoos and hair masks (12).

Taking these herbs into consideration, we have compiled the best Ayurvedic hair masks that will work wonders on your hair.

Best Ayurvedic Hair Mask To Curb Hair Fall

1. Bhringraj And Amla Hair Mask

You Will Need

2 tablespoons bhringraj powder
1 tablespoon amla juice

Processing Time

10 minutes

Method

Blend 1 tablespoon of amla juice with 2 tablespoons of bhringraj powder to get a paste. You can add some water if the paste is too thick.
Apply the paste to your scalp and hair and leave it on for 20 minutes.
Wash it off with plain water or a mild shampoo.